Beyond Borders

Spanglish: Everett Collection

Spanglish

THE HISTORY In a look at the influx of Mexicans that is a defining element of life in Southern California today, Spanglish tells its story from the perspective of an illegal immigrant and single mom, Flor (Paz Vega), who works as a maid for a well-off Anglo family, the Claskys (led by Adam Sandler and Téa Leoni).

THE STRUGGLE As the title suggests, the issue here is assimilation. Flor and her bright daughter Cristina (Shelbie Bruce) both find it awkward and embarrassing that the girl has to play the adult and serve as her mother's translator. More important, Flor worries that assimilation means her daughter will become too much like the Claskys: vain, shallow, materialistic, and snobbish.

WHY YOU'LL WATCH IT There's the novelty of Sandler, as the most decent of the Clasky clan, playing a mature and responsible adult. And there's his character's fumbling but sweet efforts to bridge the chasm between himself and the luminous Flor.